

The Plugged In Show
Focus on the Family
Join Focus on the Family's media and culture analysts for lighthearted reviews for parents and conversation about entertainment, pop culture and technology. Through this 30-minute podcast from Focus on the Family, you'll hear practical information from a Biblical worldview to help guide decisions about what to watch, listen and visit. And connect to a ton of related Christian resources and articles.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 13, 2023 • 49min
Episode 190: Plugged In Talks with Author David Murrow, plus Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning, Part 1
While we often talk about screen time, it’s an important topic for you and your family to consider. Paul Asay speaks with author David Murrow about his book Drowning in Screen Time and how he learned to balance his tech habits. The Plugged In team then chats about the latest installment of the popular Tom Cruise movies: Mission Impossible, Dead Reckoning, Part 1. Receive the book Drowning in Screen Time for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: Connect with Us: https://www.facebook.com/pluggedin https://www.instagram.com/pluggedinteam/ EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com Read the full review: · Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One · Mission Impossible · Mission Impossible 2 · Mission Impossible III · Mission Impossible: Fallout · Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation · Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol · Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jul 6, 2023 • 37min
Episode 189: Exploring Educational Video Games & The Island Book Review
Can video games be entertaining...and educational? The Plugged In team looks at the way certain video games can actually help kids learn. Adam Holz then talks with Plugged In's summer intern Sarah Rasmussen about the young adult novel The Island. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: · Game: Pop Culture Connection · Interaction Questions: What do you think of educational video games? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? And what about The Island? Have you read it? And even if you haven’t, we’d love to hear what you are reading this summer and why you chose that book or series. · Parenting Generation Screen by Jonathan McKee · www.ThePluggedInShow.com https://www.facebook.com/pluggedin https://www.instagram.com/pluggedinteam/ EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read Kennedy’s article about the value of educational gaming. · https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/value-of-educational-gaming/ Learn five unexpected benefits of gaming. · https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/5-unexpected-benefits-of-gaming/ Find out what video games and reading skills have in common. · https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/what-do-kids-video-games-and-reading-skills-have-in-common/ Read the full review: · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/alanwake/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/crash-bandicoot-4-its-about-time/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/sims2/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/mysims/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/minecraft/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/fortnite/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/big-brain-academy-brain-vs-brain/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/animal-crossing-new-horizons/ · How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices · Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide Plugged In: Tech Guide We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jun 29, 2023 • 31min
Episode 188: A Conversation with Jim Caviezel and Jordan Harmon, plus Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Movies can entertain, but they can also educate and inspire us. Adam Holz speaks with actor Jim Caviezel and Angel Studios co-owner Jordan Harmon on their new movie Sound of Freedom. The Plugged In team then looks at the latest Indiana Jones adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Additional Resources: · Game: Pop Culture Connection · Interaction Questions: What did you think of our conversation with Jim Caviezel and Jordan Harmon? Are you planning on seeing Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny? Have you seen it already? · GOAA: Parenting Generation Screen by Jonathan McKee · www.ThePluggedInShow.com https://www.facebook.com/pluggedin https://www.instagram.com/pluggedinteam/ EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read the full review: · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/sound-of-freedom-2023 · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/raiders-of-the-lost-ark-1981/ · www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny-2023/ Read Paul Asay’s Blog Post on Raiders of the Lost Ark · How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices · Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide Plugged In: Tech Guide We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jun 22, 2023 • 36min
Episode 187: Our Romance with AI, plus Elemental
As AI grows more advanced and refined, we’re seeing the possibilities of “real” human/AI relationships. The Plugged In team explores what these relationships might look like and the impact this may have. Paul Asay then speaks with Emily Tsiao about the new Pixar movie, Elemental. Game: Name that Movie · Interaction Questions: What do you think about our relationship with AI? Are you excited about all these AI advances? Terrified? A little of both? If you’ve seen Elemental, what did you think of it? · GOAA: No GOAA · www.ThePluggedInShow.com https://www.facebook.com/pluggedin https://www.instagram.com/pluggedinteam/ EMAIL: team@thepluggedinshow.com PHONE: 800-A-FAMILY (800-262-3459) Read Bob Hoose’s Blog Post on AI and Relationships https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/we-love-our-ai-but-should-we/ Read the full review: · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/elemental-2023/ · How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices · Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide Plugged In: Tech Guide We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voice note. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jun 15, 2023 • 43min
Episode 186: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts & An Interview with Flamin’ Hot Producer DeVon Franklin
The robots in disguise are back in theaters with Transformers: Rise of the Beasts! The Plugged In team takes a look at the franchise and what you need to know about this latest movie. Adam Holz then talks with Hollywood producer DeVon Franklin about his new movie Flamin' Hot. Receive the book "Parenting Generation Screen" for your donation of any amount! Recent Comments: Erik H. on Movie Monday: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Rises to Top RedeemerDMZ on Screen and Non-screen Interests: How My Dad Got Me Hooked on Both EH on Movie Monday: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Rises to Top EH on We Love Our AI … But Should We? Erik H. on We Love Our AI … But Should We? We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voice note. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jun 8, 2023 • 47min
Episode 185: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse & The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Franchises are popular in our current culture, and new installments are trending this summer. The Plugged In team looks at the latest animated Marvel movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the recent Nintendo Switch release, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You'll get a solid handle on the things you need to know about these entertainment choices for your family. · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-2023/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-2018/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/masseffect/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/horizon-zero-dawn/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/horizon-forbidden-west/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/tomb-raider-2013-game/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/tomb-raider-2018/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/pokemon-go/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legendofzeldaocarinaoftime3d/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/game-reviews/legendofzeldaskywardsword/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-2020/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/silenthill/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/skyhigh/ · https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/super-mario-bros-movie-2023/ · How you can make wise entertainment choices for your family Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices · Explore the Plugged In Tech Guide Plugged In: Tech Guide We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

Jun 1, 2023 • 37min
Episode 184: Focus on Filters: What’s the Big Deal? Plus Jonas Brothers’ The Album
Dive into the fascinating world of social media filters, exploring their impact on self-esteem and identity, especially among the youth. Discover the humorous side of animal filters and nostalgic memories that spark creativity. The discussion also highlights the importance of navigating self-image in a digitally driven society. Plus, get the scoop on the Jonas Brothers' latest album, blending heartfelt and provocative themes with a fun game of movie title guessing. It's a mix of poignant insights and lighthearted entertainment!

May 25, 2023 • 48min
Episode 183: Screens, Teens & Porn, plus The Little Mermaid
As parents, we naturally want to protect our kids from destructive influences in the world around them. But with screens in our back pockets, they have access to just about anything…including pornography. With screens in our back pockets, we have access to just about anything…including pornography. The Plugged In team consults with Dr. Danny Huerta, counselor and Vice President of Parenting of Focus on the Family about the impact of porn and how we can protect our kids. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about the live-action Disney remake of The Little Mermaid. Get More Episode Resources Receive the book "Seven Traits of Effective Parenting" for your donation of any amount! If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

May 18, 2023 • 43min
Episode 182: Summer Movie Preview, plus Fast X and What You Need to Know About the Fast & Furious Franchise
Movies—blockbuster movies—are a big part of what summer’s all about. The Plugged In team discusses what’s landing in theaters this summer, and what you can expect from them. Paul Asay then talks with Adam Holz about the latest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X. Get More Episode Resources If you've listened to any of our podcasts, please give us your feedback.

May 11, 2023 • 40min
Episode 181: Our Favorite Movie (and TV) Moms, plus The Way
Sometimes pop culture gets things right. With Mother's Day around the corner, the Plugged In team reflects on their favorite movie and TV moms and the impact they've had. Adam Holz then talks with Paul Asay about an older faith-focused film called The Way that's getting a rerelease and renewed attention. · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/harrypotterandthesorcerersstone/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/book-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallowspart2/ · Plugged In Blog: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/bill-cosby-actions-and-accusations/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/tully-2018/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/parenthood/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/tv-reviews/this-is-us/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/blog/us-sweeping-nation/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/way/ · Plugged In Review: https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/breakfast-club/ · Focus on the Family: Setting Media Standards · Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices · Plugged In: Tech Guide · Focus on the Family: How to Develop Media Intelligence in Your Home


